Accounting

What is the field of accounting like?

Accounting is a fairly broad field, and job responsibilities vary greatly. For example,
one accountant may be involved in the design and management of an entire accounting
system for a business. In large firms, accountants often specialize in areas such as
payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, cash, inventory, purchases or sales.
In smaller firms it is common to have full-charge bookkeepers handling the entire
accounting functions.

Accounting professionals are often thought of as number and ledger experts. However,
math and analytical skills are only part of their job. Each day they may be called upon
to communicate clearly with clients, co-workers, auditors and managers. These skills,
along with their familiarity of the internal operations of the business, may lead to
opportunities for advancement and promotion.

What qualifications are needed?

Accounting is a demanding course of study. It is also a demanding profession. Both
require a high level of concentration and the ability to work with numbers and people.
Accountants must be able to analyze and interpret information, have effective verbal
and writing skills, and work independently as well as in a team environment.

What job opportunities are there in accounting?

The outlook for jobs in accounting is excellent. Nationally, a shortage of accountants
is expected. Locally, the job market fluctuates somewhat with the Spokane economy.

Business Transfer Students: To get your BTA you must complete ACCT&201, ACCT&202, and ACCT&203.
The other three courses listed are not prerequites and do NOT replace the three required courses.

All course offerings are subject to change. The college cannot guarantee class offerings,
designated times or specific instructors - as funding levels and student interest may affect whether or not an
offering is available.

Career/Technical

Degrees and Transfer Information

Associate in Business DTA

Students should pursue an Associate in Business DTA/MRP if they are interested in transferring to a four-year college
to earn a bachelor's degree in accounting, economics or another business-related field.

The Associate in Business degree program consists of liberal arts classes and includes the first few accounting
courses required at four-year schools. Students interested in the transfer program should obtain the current
college catalog and transfer manual from their intended institution to determine what requirements can be satisfied
at SFCC. Generally, all courses transfer except those taught at four-year schools with course numbers of 300 or higher.

Contact information is listed below. Select the email link to send
an email. For general program information, contact
the senior secretary. The globe icon
identifies faculty web sites. Click the globe to visit the site.

Brunner, Don; Instructor

I grew up in a small town and have lived in both Washington, but also Alaska for several years.
My hobbies have been or are, flying, scuba diving, woodworking, and rebuilding old trucks.
The reasons that I teach are because of students. I thoroughly enjoy the interaction and seeing
people develop new skills or sharpen the ones they already have.

I love to teach accounting because beginning students get very excited when it all clicks.
When I was a teenager my parents started their own business and I was able to keep their
accounting records. Accounting always made sense to me and I liked being able to explain
the fundamentals to anyone who would listen. After working in public accounting and private
industry I realized that I wanted to do something different. Teaching allows me to stay in a
field I love AND share the subject with many.

Niccum, Jeffery; Instructor

Born and raised in the Spokane area, I graduated from Mead High School. I obtained my A.A. in business from SFCC and
transferred to E.W.U. for my B.A. in professional accounting. Later, while employed full time, I began work on my M.B.A. at
E.W.U. and finished five years later. I passed the C.P.A. exam in 1989.

I worked almost eight years as corporate controller in the construction industry before going out on my own in 1992 by starting
my own public accounting practice, which I continue to own and operate to this day.

I began teaching accounting here at SFCC back in 2010. Many students have appreciated my bringing real world experience into
the classroom.